Captain accuses Honduras players as tempers flare during friendly in Miami, a
match which was interrupted for 43 minutes by an electrical storm

Steven Gerrard accused Honduras players of committing “horrific” tackles as tempers flared during England’s final pre-World Cup friendly in Miami, a match which was interrupted for 43 minutes by an electrical storm.

Gerrard was one of several England players subjected to rough treatment, and the captain was furious with Honduras, and American referee Ricardo Salazar, who sent off Brayan Beckeles for two yellow card offences in the second half.

He said: “There were some horrific tackles and we are just relieved there were no injuries. I certainly got one and so did some of the others. The referee was poor. I don’t understand a referee who can see a player blast the ball at Daniel Sturridge and not be sent off.”

England’s frustration was compounded as Sturridge appeared to be struck by a drink thrown from the crowd. The striker looked angrily at the stands after apparently being sprayed by the liquid thrown from above. Sturridge had missed two clear chances as Roy Hodgson’s team failed to record a win ahead of Saturday’s Group D opener against Italy.

Hodgson said: “It was one of the most frustrating games I’ve been involved in.” The match was delayed for 43 minutes when Salazar took the players off the field for their own safety as an electrical storm struck.